Hurricane Melissa has surged across the Caribbean, causing widespread devastation as it strengthens into a formidable storm en route to Bermuda after leaving a trail of destruction in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. As of Thursday, the hurricane was recorded with winds of up to 105 miles per hour (165 kph) and has been downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, yet its impact remains severely damaging, especially in Jamaica, where many areas have faced overwhelming destruction, including loss of life.
Reports indicate that at least 25 fatalities have occurred in Haiti, ten of which are children, while Jamaica has witnessed four reported deaths. Utilizing satellite imagery, authorities have identified extensive destruction in Jamaica, with numerous homes and trees uprooted and many structures in critically affected areas left in ruins. The situation is exacerbated by significant power outages, with more than 70% of customers still without electricity early Thursday morning. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz of Jamaica noted notable damages to power lines along roadways, hindering recovery efforts.
As residents in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos prepare for the storm’s imminent arrival, those in Bermuda are also gearing up for a potentially challenging evening. The slow movement of Hurricane Melissa raises the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides, particularly in Jamaica and other prone areas.
Prior reports had indicated that Melissa was initially classified as a Category 5 hurricane, emphasizing its unprecedented intensity within the Atlantic basin. Local authorities and residents have heightened their emergency preparations in anticipation of torrential rains and significant storm surges. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged citizens to take precautionary measures and secure their homes, stressing that the whole nation would feel the impact of the storm.
The rapid intensification of Hurricane Melissa has been linked to the unusually warm Caribbean waters, underscoring the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by island nations due to climate change and extreme weather events. Despite the daunting challenges posed by this natural disaster, there is a shared spirit of resilience among communities, fostering hope for recovery and support as they navigate the aftermath of the hurricane.